I stayed at this lovely little house for three months during a freelance job. It's small, but very well-equipped with a modern kitchen, fast Wi-Fi, and very comfortable furnishings (and a super comfy bed). What makes it so special, though, is the location. It sits above a permanent creek in a beautiful woodsy setting. I'd see deer, ducks and egrets down by the creek, and an amazing range of birdlife in the huge live oaks and laurel trees (including a Western Screech Owl, a pretty rare sighting). The host, Stacey, is quick to respond to your needs.
There are lots of great markets and restaurants nearby, and the commute to tech companies is fast and easy (you can even avoid the freeways).